Breaking news: Men are not invincible

That headline is in jest, of course, but here’s a serious fact: men, on average, are less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than women. In fact, men today are living an average of five years less than women, compared to one year less in 1920.

To help combat these issues, the week of June 12-18 (aka, Father’s Day) has been established as Men’s Health Week, a time to put the spotlight on men’s health issues beyond bicep curls and six-pack abs.

So let’s get started.

Go to the doctor. I cannot stress this enough. Whether you’re middle-aged, a Millennial, or in your third act, checkups keep you informed about what’s going well (and not so well) with your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood levels, among other things. Some health conditions may not have symptoms, so regular doctor visits can identify issues early and you can tackle them before they become a real problem.

Don’t ignore your body. If something doesn’t feel right, pay attention! Physical signs – everything from pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, even problems with urination – are your body’s way of telling you that something is up. Again, the goal is prevention. It’s a lot easier (and less expensive) to fix something if you catch it early on.

Speak up when you’re feeling down. Here’s the thing. Men commit suicide nearly four times more frequently than women because symptoms of depression or other mental health issues are more likely to go undiagnosed and untreated. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about feelings – it’s about how the brain’s chemistry affects you emotionally and physically. When you’re not feeling yourself, tell someone you trust and get the help you need.

Eat your spinach. And your blueberries and your low-sodium skinless chicken too. You don’t need another scientific study to know that what you eat has a lot to do with how you feel. When you eat well – we’re talking a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and lean meats and proteins – you have more energy and stamina. That doesn’t mean you have to give up meatball subs or whatever other favorites that are high in calories, fat or added sugars. It’s about having not indulging all the time and/or consuming moderate portions.

Hit the gym. But not just to lift weights! Being physically fit means muscle strength and having a healthy heart and lungs, so spend ample time doing cardio (walking, biking, rowing) to keep your body’s engine running. Here’s another pro tip: you can exercise anywhere. Is this the week you try something new?

Don’t: Smoke, text while driving or believe the tired old myth that men must rely only on themselves.

Take this week to do the things that will improve your life. Better yet, take the whole month, since all of June is Men’s Health Month. Make that appointment. Get that screening. Try one more time to kick that nicotine habit. There are plenty of resources to get you where you want to go. You – and your family – are worth it.

Men’s Health Network (MHN) is crossing a major milestone in 2017 — the organization is celebrating 25 years of advancing men’s health and wellness. Since our founding in 1992, MHN remains one of the only nonprofit organizations advocating on the behalf of men, boys, and their families through education programs, health screenings, and federal policy and legislation.

About Diane Atwood

For more than 20 years, Diane was the health reporter on WCSH 6. Before that, a radiation therapist at Maine Medical Center and after, Manager of Marketing/PR at Mercy Hospital. She now hosts and produces the Catching Health podcast and writes the award-winning blog Catching Health with Diane Atwood.
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Diane Atwood

For more than 20 years, Diane was the health reporter on WCSH 6. Before that, a radiation therapist at Maine Medical Center and after, Manager of Marketing/PR at Mercy Hospital. She now hosts and produces the Catching Health podcast and writes the award-winning blog Catching Health with Diane Atwood.